The Pawsitive Post in Conversation by Companion Animal Psychology
The show about how to have a better relationship with your dog or cat. Get tips on dog training, dog behaviour, cat behaviour and training, learn about the science on dogs and cats, and find out which books we're reading (animal-related and more generally). Kind, humane, reward-based training methods only. Hosted by Zazie Todd PhD and Kristi Benson CTC of Companion Animal Psychology blog. Made in Canada.
Episodes
58 episodes
Why we should love the beasties with Dr. Jo Wimpenny
Zazie and Kristi chat with Dr. Jo Wimpenny, author of Beauty of the Beasts, to learn more about wasps, mosquitoes, vultures, sharks, and other unloved animals.We talk about:-why Jo wanted to write about the beastiesh...
Can pet dogs sniff out an invasive species? with Melissa McCue-McGrath
Can pet dogs use their nose to find the eggs of an invasive species, the spotted lanternfly--and what was it like taking part in citizen science to find out? Zazie and Kristi are joined by dog trainer and author Melissa McCue-McGrath to learn a...
Senior dogs and young dogs living together: How to keep everyone safe and happy
Content warning: The books section at the end of the episode includes subject matter that may be distressing.Having both a senior dog and a young dog in the same home can be wonderful, revitalizing the older dog and providing company for...
How to help your dog behave with guests with Jeff Millman
How can you help your dog to like it--and behave well--when visitors come to your home? Zazie and Kristi are joined by dog trainer Jeff Millman, author of Triggers and Reactions: A Guide to Fixing Your Dog Behavior Problems, to chat about this ...
How to help dogs and cats get along with each other
Zazie and Kristi talk about how to help dogs and cats get along, and why it all starts with thinking about the cat's feeling of safety.We talk about:the need to manage introductions between dogs and catswhat that mea...
Everything you need to know about cat carriers with Dr. Mansum Yau
What's the best kind of carrier to choose for your cat? We get a veterinarian's perspective from Dr. Mansum Yau, author of The Ins and Outs of Cat Carriers: A Veterinarian's Guide to Cat Carriers.We talk about:why, as a vet, ...
Patricia McConnell PhD and her first novel Away to Me
Away to Me is Patricia McConnell PhD's first mystery novel, and it's gorgeous. Zazie and Kristi chat with Patricia to learn more about the book and why she decided to write fiction set in the dog world.We talk about:...
Caring for dogs vs caring for cats
How is caring for a dog different than caring for a cat, and what is the same? We talk about what dogs and cats need for a happy life with us.We talk about:Training dogs and training cats (and why you should train your cat)
How to help dogs with separation anxiety with Malena DeMartini
If your dog has separation anxiety, what can you do to help them, how can you cope with not leaving your dog alone for longer than they can handle, and why is it so important? We're joined by separation anxiety expert Malena DeMartini to talk a...
Holiday Special with Dr. Jo Wimpenny, Dr. Marc Bekoff, and Erica Beckwith CTC
In this special episode, Zazie and Kristi are joined by some of the most popular guests from previous episodes to chat about all things animal behaviour, including dogs, cats, ants, penguins, and crows.We talk about:with Jo W...
Dog bites: Ask Me Anything with Carri Westgarth PhD
Zazie and Kristi are joined by Prof. Carri Westgarth to answer your questions about dog bites, how to avoid getting bitten by a dog, and what to do if you have been bitten by a dog.We talked about:Why dogs biteHow to...
Why you and your dog will love nose work with Bonnie Hartney
We learn what canine scent work is, why it's so good for dogs, and how to get started--and progress--in this activity with Certified Nose Work Instructor Bonnie Hartney of Ocean Park Dog Training.We talk about:How Bonnie got ...
Reactive and fearful dogs: Your questions answered
We hosted an Ask Me Anything on anxious, fearful, and reactive dogs. You asked some incredible questions, and this is the result.We talked about:How to find the starting place for working with anxious dogsHelping dog...
Conservation dogs and Deadly Trade by Sara Driscoll
We talk about the real world of conservation dogs and the fictional world of FBI dogs and conservation canines with Jen J. Danna, who writes under the name Sara Driscoll. Deadly Trade is the latest FBI K-9 mystery from author Sara Driscoll. K-9...
Demand barking in dogs (and what to do about it)
Demand barking is a type of barking that dogs do to get something they want, like a treat, toy, or attention. It happens because we've previously (accidentally) rewarded them for it. So what should you do if your dog is demand barking?In...
How to get started in dog sports with Ayoka Bubar
Dog sports are fun activities for you and your dog, but with so many to choose from, it can feel daunting to get started. We demystify dog sports with trainer Ayoka Bubar, a Rally Obedience judge who has taught (and tried) many different sports...
Harmonious multidog households: How to prevent (and stop) fights
The benefits of having more than one dog and what you should do to ensure everyone gets along. We talk about:How having another dog in the home can be beneficial for a dogHow it can cause issuesDisagreements betwee...
Teenage dogs (and what to do about them) with Tina Spring
Content warning: Suicidal ideation comes up in this conversation. Help is available. In Canada or the US, call or text 988 for the suicide crisis helpline. In the UK, the Samaritans are on 116 123. When a cute puppy turns into a ter...
How to help your reactive or fearful dog
If a dog is reactive, fearful, or anxious, often the dog is struggling--and so is their person. We share tips to help you to help your fearful dog, from the first chapter of Zazie's book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Re...
Training dogs, lizards, and sea lions with Dr. Adrian Walton
What's a veterinarian's view on dog training methods? And if your pet is terrified of going to the vet, how can they help? We find out from an amazing veterinarian, Dr. Adrian Walton of Dewdney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge, BC.We talke...
Writers on what brings them hope for the human-animal relationship (bonus)
Writers talk about what brings them hope for the human-dog, human-cat, and human-animal bond.This is a bonus episode featuring Patricia McConnell PhD, Jean Donaldson, Marc Bekoff PhD, and all of the writers who took part in Bark! Fest, t...
The benefits of tricks training for dogs and cats with Erica Beckwith (Replay)
As we take a summer break, we're replaying this fun and fantastic interview with Erica Beckwith of A Matter of Manners dog training about the benefits of tricks training for dogs and cats.We talked about:the benefits of trick...
Human remains detection dogs and historic searches with Kim Cooper and Cat Warren
Dogs have incredible noses, and can trained to search for the scent of human remains, bringing closure to those who are grieving and the opportunity to memorialize. As well as recent remains, they can also search for historic remains. We're joi...
Fearful and Anxious Dogs with Zazie Todd, PhD, at Bark! Fest
Zazie Todd is at the forefront of the move towards positive animal welfare and kind, humane dog training methods. Her third book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog is a compassionate and practical guid...
Loving and Losing Pets with E.B. Bartels, Rev. Sarah Bowen, and Karen Fine DVM at Bark! Fest
Living with pets sadly means losing them too. There wasn't a dry eye in the house (in a good way) at this event.Loving pets means thinking of them both in life and after their loss. In the poignant and personal Good Grief: On Loving ...